Free screening of documentary about religion and homosexuality

A highly-acclaimed documentary about religion and homosexuality will be shown at a public meeting in London on Friday.

The screening of For the Bible Tells Me So is being hosted by the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Society.

It will take place at the Conway Hall Library at 7.30pm with an introduction from Terry Sanderson, president of the National Secular Society.

The film’s official website asks questions such as “Is the chasm separating Christians from lesbians and gays too wide to cross?” and “Is the Bible an excuse to hate?”

The film centres around five sets of parents with strong religious beliefs who are coming to terms with the idea that their child is homosexual.

It is a collaboration between director Daniel Kerslake and two friends, Keith Lewis and Robin Voss, who wanted to pursue the subject after attending a church seminar on homosexuality and the Bible.

On its initial premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007, For the Bible Tells Me So was well received by critics and has since gone on to achieve critical acclaim, including winning Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival.

The film features interviews with people including Richard Gephardt, a former House Majority leader whose daughter Chrissy came out after being married for a year.

Also involved are Gene Robinson, who in 2003 became New Hampshire’s first openly gay Episcopalin Bishop and Mary Lou Wallner, whose reaction to her daughter Anna’s sexuality led to devastating consequences.